[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 201 (Thursday, December 20, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1713]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        RETIREMENT OF SAINT PAUL CITY COUNCIL MEMBER DAN BOSTROM

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. BETTY McCOLLUM

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, December 20, 2018

  Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a man who has 
dedicated his life to his family and serving his community and all 
residents of Saint Paul, Minnesota. As 2018 draws to a close, Council 
Member Dan Bostrom will leave the Saint Paul City Council after 22 
years of distinguished service on behalf of his constituents, having 
made his city, and Saint Paul's Ward 6, more prosperous, safe and 
vibrant. His retirement caps a remarkable five-decade commitment to 
public service.
  Dan Bostrom is a true son of Saint Paul's East Side. From a young 
age, he first met his neighbors by delivering papers for the Pioneer 
Press, and the now defunct evening paper, the Dispatch. After 
graduating from Saint Paul's Johnson High School, then from the 
University of Minnesota, Dan went on to become a police officer in the 
Saint Paul Police Department. Described by his colleagues as ``a very 
thoughtful guy, even under extreme pressure,'' Dan earned a reputation 
for treating everyone with respect and dignity during the turbulent 
1960s and 1970s as Saint Paul and the nation were experiencing 
unprecedented racial tension and growing challenges of economic 
disparity. His respect for others, honesty, patience and empathy, not 
only made him an excellent keeper of the peace, but opened doors to a 
new level of public service.
  During his service on the police department, Dan began serving on the 
District Two Community Council, which is an official community 
representative body that is charged with engaging with city projects in 
their neighborhoods. While serving on the district council, he was 
encouraged to run for the school board. He eventually went on to serve 
on the school board for 9 years, where he established soccer as a team 
sport in schools, introduced truant officers in Saint Paul schools, and 
helped to save the Monroe School from closure.
  Witnessing his passion for the community and ability to deliver 
results, neighbors urged Dan to run for City Council, and was elected 
to the Saint Paul City Council in 1996. He went on to serve there for 
22 years, six of which as Council President. During his time on the 
Council, Dan advocated for increased economic development on the East 
Side of Saint Paul, a historically working-class neighborhood which is 
one ofthe state's most diverse as well. Dan was instrumental in the 
creation of the Phalen Boulevard corridor, which serves as crucial 
connection from the East Side to the rest of Saint Paul. Whenever asked 
why, after so many years of exemplary and successful public service, he 
remained an active and engaged Council Member, he would often respond, 
that despite his successes, there were too many things left undone or 
at critical stages.
  Nothing is more important to Dan than his family and neighbors. 
Throughout his life, he has been a devoted husband, father and 
grandfather. As his late wife Rosann faced a heroic battle with breast 
cancer, Dan was a constant support and caregiver. His commitment to 
others is fundamental to who he is, and that legacy has been passed 
along to his family, including his son Matt who is the former Ramsey 
County Sheriff. It is a privilege to call Dan a friend. I am grateful 
to have been able to count on him as a consistent partner on behalf of 
the East Side and Saint Paul residents throughout my service in the 
Minnesota Legislature and in the U.S. House of Representatives. His 
work ethic and dedication to public service is a model to our entire 
community.
  Mr. Speaker, please join me paying tribute to Councilman Dan Bostrom 
for his exemplary career in public service. I wish him and his family 
all the best in his retirement, and to honor him for his lifetime of 
service to residents of Saint Paul.

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